Christopher Timm asked:


If you are planning a project that involves new construction or significant building work (i.e. moving or removing walls) you are probably wondering whether to find an architect to help you. A registered professional architect will have over seven years of training, which covers all aspects of the creation or alteration of a building. When this is combined with the experience they have gained during professional practice, you end up with a lot of knowledge at your disposal!

The cost of using an architect can be significant, but done well you should recoup all or more of that cost by the savings you can make in other areas.

Saving Money:

Your architect will have an awareness of, and experience with, the latest construction techniques and materials, meaning build costs for your project can be significantly reduced by using economical design.
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Your architect will have an existing network of contacts within the construction industry – landscape architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, interior designers, builders etc. and because they provide a consistent source of work for these trades, they are able to engage them at preferential rates.

Your architect will also be able to save you considerable time and therefore money by managing the project, and those specialist consultants.

Finally, a well designed building can have an immediate impact in reducing utility bills.

Avoiding Costly Mistakes:

Architects are trained to identify potential problems in the concept or design phase of a project, and can solve those problems creatively, before they become costly mistakes.

Of course surprises do happen and problems do arise, but a your architect will be able to call on his or he training and experience to overcome them creatively and cost effectively, often providing a range of possible solutions.

The architect will handle the planning application process on your behalf and get it right first time!

However, don’t be tempted to use an architect for planning and then hand over the drawings to a builder for construction. Planning application drawings are different from detailed construction drawings. Don’t cut the corner and hope for the best – you’ll end up paying in the long run.

Adding Value:

A good architect can design flexible buildings that can adapt with the changing needs of your life or business, maximising both space and light. Also, an attractive and distinctive design can increase the long term value of the building.

Of course, all of this relies on you finding the right architect, as it is largely the relationship between you and your architect that will get the best results out of them.



RUBIN
Jo Harris asked:


Architects are creative professionals with scientific bent of mind, particularly having expert level knowledge in construction planning, design and allied activities. These professionals execute very specialized job related to building industry, involving the plan for safety of the occupants, plan for environment protection, provisions for easy movement. Hence, these people require thorough education and training in the field of architecture to understand building rules and design codes.

 

The Architect’s primary job is to understand your requirements and provide you with executable cost effective and livable building plan. They require licenses and accreditation as per the regulatory norms of the land.

 
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There are numerous software tools available for Architects to automate the process of design and drawing. You can visualize your building virtually using a 3d model, even before the construction starts. The Architects provide service in giving you the cost estimate, bill of material, time for completion and regulatory compliance.

 

The charges for hiring the service of these people depend on the level of work you wish to assign. More detailed plan means more charges. From smaller task to a serious job, you cannot avoid consulting them. Generally, these experts work in groups and have associates who are specialized in specific tasks.

 

Once you employ an Architect and submit your requirements, they will give you design and drawing documents detailing at least two to three options. You can select the one that suits you best. It is better for you to take references before you engage any expert. Depending on the scope of works assigned to the architect, they can prepare tender documents, specifications of materials, selection of contractor and routine building site inspection.

 

Latest trends show that architects have established niche areas in which they expertise rather than taking any general activity. You will find that if a particular architect is an expert in hospital buildings, then he may not venture into providing his services for a hotel building project. The strengths of the architect lie in his experience, project management skills and his knowledge of building design codes and safety measures understanding. The major weakness may be time mismanagement and too much work.

 

 

http://www.balhambuilder.co.uk



LAVERN
Jo Harris asked:


Architects are creative professionals with scientific bent of mind, particularly having expert level knowledge in construction planning, design and allied activities. These professionals execute very specialized job related to building industry, involving the plan for safety of the occupants, plan for environment protection, provisions for easy movement. Hence, these people require thorough education and training in the field of architecture to understand building rules and design codes.

 

The Architect’s primary job is to understand your requirements and provide you with executable cost effective and livable building plan. They require licenses and accreditation as per the regulatory norms of the land.

 

There are numerous software tools available for Architects to automate the process of design and drawing. You can visualize your building virtually using a 3d model, even before the construction starts. The Architects provide service in giving you the cost estimate, bill of material, time for completion and regulatory compliance.

 
_______________________________________________________________________

The charges for hiring the service of these people depend on the level of work you wish to assign. More detailed plan means more charges. From smaller task to a serious job, you cannot avoid consulting them. Generally, these experts work in groups and have associates who are specialized in specific tasks.

 

Once you employ an Architect and submit your requirements, they will give you design and drawing documents detailing at least two to three options. You can select the one that suits you best. It is better for you to take references before you engage any expert. Depending on the scope of works assigned to the architect, they can prepare tender documents, specifications of materials, selection of contractor and routine building site inspection.

 

Latest trends show that architects have established niche areas in which they expertise rather than taking any general activity. You will find that if a particular architect is an expert in hospital buildings, then he may not venture into providing his services for a hotel building project. The strengths of the architect lie in his experience, project management skills and his knowledge of building design codes and safety measures understanding. The major weakness may be time mismanagement and too much work.

 http://www.balhambuilder.co.uk





HARRIS
Nazim Nice asked:


If you’re looking for an architect you’ve probably read the 20 things to ask an architect article published by the AIA by now. While this is a good list, it doesn’t address all the issues that need to be considered today. Architecture is a rapidly changing profession, especially in the realm of software. Many firms have yet to make the significant investment necessary to be at the forefront of their industry. It is also a profession that balances art and science, and requires good communication and organization skills. While it’s difficult to assess whether a particular architect will meet your needs, here are nine ways to help:

1. Visit the architect’s office.

An architect’s office can say a lot about their design aesthetic and creativity. Typically, though, first meetings with a client will be at their project site, so you may not have an opportunity to see the architect’s office. Consider scheduling a visit at the architect’s office within a few days of the initial meeting.

2. A disorganized architect’s office might be a red flag.

An architect has to organize hundreds, if not thousands of pieces of information, and a disorganized office might be a big red flag. However, don’t confuse artist creativity with disorganization. Models or model building supplies, trace paper and sketches can be a sign of real creativity, but project information is normally stored in binders and filing cabinets. Large piles of unsorted paper are probably not a good sign.

3. Ask your architect if they are using 3D software (the answer should be ‘yes’ – then ask them if they are using BIM).

The latest architectural software is called BIM (building information model) and the more sophisticated architects are using this. A house or project designed in BIM is completely or almost completely designed in three dimensions (3D). In addition, in many cases the software can help eliminate errors in coordination of drawings since the two dimensional drawings are all ‘extracted’ from the 3D model. The software also keeps track of things like sizes of each door and window, and when a size is changed in one drawing, it is automatically updated in another. This can be a real help in reducing errors.

4. Education is the foundation of an architect’s experience.

While attending a good school can help assure your architect has a good foundation to build upon, usually a better indicator is how an architect did in the school they attended. Many architecture instructors will tell you that 10%-20% of students are really talented designers and few students who weren’t got significantly better as they went through school. To get a sense of how an architect performed in school, ask about design awards they may have won or exhibitions they may have participated in. If you ask about academic performance, differentiate between design studio classes, and non-design studio classes.

5. Know who you are going to work with.

If you are hiring a multi-person firm, find out who you will actually be working with. Many times the person you are interviewing with won’t actually be doing much work on your project. If the person you are going to be working with isn’t in the interview, ask to visit the architect’s office and meet the person or people who will be on your team. Ask to see the credentials of those team members as well.

6. Architects communicate with drawings as well as words.

Look at the architect’s drawings and ask questions about them. It may be challenging to read or understand drawings if you haven’t done this before, but if you can’t understand them after an architect explains them, then either the drawings are not very good, or the architect has a hard time communicating. Both may be red flags.

7. A complete set of construction drawings includes specifications.

Not all architectural information is communicated within drawings. Plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, finishes, expected quality levels, and other information that is easier said in words than in drawings are communicated in written specifications. If your architect doesn’t prepare specifications, then you’ll likely be answering many questions during construction and may be hit with large change orders.

8. Look at the architect’s website.

A well designed, well organized website can communicate that an architect is organized and can assemble information in a clear format. If their website is out of date or they don’t have one, this might be a hint that they are behind the times.

9. Find out how well the architect works with building departments.

When you or your architect submits your drawings to the building department, they are typically reviewed and a revision/correction notice is issued. A good architect can easily get a residential or small commercial project through with no revisions or one round of revisions. Since each round of revisions takes time to complete, fewer rounds of revisions means you get your permit sooner. Incomplete or low quality documents could hold up construction. If you’re trying to get your project framed and weather-tight before the rainy season, this could push the project into a season with unfavorable construction conditions.

Hiring an architect is challenging because you can’t ‘test drive’ the end product during the interview. You will only know how the project turns out at its completion. So spend the time to choose a good architect. Interview several and see who you think is qualified and a good personality fit for you. You will be spending a lot of time with him or her so choose wisely!



PERCY

Architect

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Jo Harris asked:


A countless number of times we have felt bestowed of the seven man-made wonders of the world. Those men who let these wonders appeared at all were the architects, the creators of these giant, eternal structures that have seen the beginning and the end of many eras of human civilization.

A true architect is not a person but a God gifted brain that has a vision and the power to create. This art does not confine itself within a chosen shelf of books or in any course curriculum. The Taj of India or the Great Wall of China are only a couple of many examples proving that architecture is dream oriented.

Gone are those days. Today’s world has restrained the architects to be the trained and licensed personals who have the knowledge of planning, designing and supervising the construction of a building, a shopping mall, a theatre or any other structure. They carry an imperative responsibility of assuring public safety while and after the construction.

So as to study the subject and take architecture as a profession, the aspiring candidate is required to peruse a bachelor course in architecture at the university after completing the high school. Under the jurisdiction of British government, any person practicing under the title of an architect must possess a registration at Architects Registration Board. To attain this registration the students are required to pursue their studies in a reputed university level school of architecture. This is an approximately 4 year’s degree course. On the completion of this course, the student then has to continue with the master’s programme that is M.Arch. After working in the related field for a little more than one year, the student can achieve the title of an architect.

Though, the journey of an architect may seem long and tough, the efforts are rewarded throughout the working life. The range of salaries earned by these skilled men varies from 11,000 pounds for a fresher to 80,000 pounds for the experienced one. Many architects work independently and have been hired by almost all of us for house extension, refurbishment or basement conversion and many other personal and professional construction related chores.



TYRONE

Architects

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Jo Harris asked:


An architect is a person, who is skilled in designing building structures. In addition to planning and designing, an architect ensures proper supervising of the whole construction process. Proper education, practical experience and technical knowledge are most important aspects for becoming an acknowledged architect. Every country has certain rules for the registration of architects. Only licensed architects can work in major construction companies. The safety of a building lies in the hands of an architect.

Choosing an Architect

A skilled architect can be helpful in providing right ideas for the construction of a building. Choosing the right person can be a tricky process. Various architects can be found locally through number of ways including classifieds, advertisements and internet. Architects located in a place should be shortlisted based on their qualification, experience and specialization. Architects representing various reputable companies can be enquired as many firms employ only best and experienced professionals.

After short listing, the portfolio of an architect should be checked for quality and variety. Work experience on different projects can be taken into account for selecting the right architect. Interviewing an architect with a set of questions can be helpful in finding the right person. After the interview process, other details like fee structure, upfront payment, design style, insurance protection and deadline commitment should also be verified. Owing to this method, it is quite easy to choose the right person as an architect for your project.

Working with an Architect

After selecting the right person, it is vital to provide a detailed explanation regarding the expectations of a building design. The architect may come up with his own ideas in designing the building so you should discuss certain options and seek clarification on the design and drawings. The construction budget should be clarified and certain assumptions should be made. Finally, a building contractor should be selected in accordance with the architect’s opinion and advice. Frequent communication is the key to getting a satisfactory work done.

The working chemistry is very important in cooperation with an architect. One should realize that he should enjoy working with the selected architect. The right architect is a real help to fulfil all the requirements regarding the style, design and purpose of his client’s new home.



RICHARD

Architects

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Jo Harris asked:


Getting a new house or building made? Need someone to supervise it right from the designing stage to the finished “product”? This is where an architect comes in. An architect is trained and licensed in planning and designing buildings, and participates in supervising the whole construction process.

An architect is a person who has undergone specialist training in the field of planning, designing and construction of buildings. Since his decisions would affect the safety of the people residing in the building as well as public safety, he should be highly skilled and should know his job very well, in every detail. An architect uses various means to go about his job. He would use geometry, math, and computers to design a building. Only when the blue print is ready and approved does the architect take his ideas to the actual location or site.

An architect would start a project by meeting his clients and understanding their needs and requirements. Building something which appeals to the tastes of the clients, blends his design aesthetic and is environment friendly, requires a great deal of studies and analysis as well as successful liaison with government agencies, property owners and consultants to ensure that the project doesn’t run into legal and financial mess.

Architects sit down working on the slightest details of the project using computer design and drafting programs popularly known as CADD. Here he can make adjustments or changes to the blueprint of the structure depending upon the various considerations he has to bear in mind. An architect has to not only design for the present but bear in mind that the owners may want to extend it or have more construction done to the structure in the future, like adding an additional floor or converting and adding an open space to a part of the structure. So, if the owners desire that these considerations are also kept in mind, the architect would have to comply and plan accordingly.

Though, the job of an architect is one of these which requires attention to the very detail of a structure and diligence, it is the passion within them and the satisfaction of seeing their designs getting converted from blueprint to a standing structure which makes them come up with amazing structures which people would remember for years to come.



FEDERICO
Jim Brown asked:


If you should do home improvement whether for beautification or raising your home’s value purposes, you will depend on creativity and skills. If you have what it takes to do-it-yourself the probably you would not need any expert at all. Otherwise, you will need every good architect you find to help you to improve your home and here is why.

1. Architects are trained for beautification processes. They know how to manipulate things, add something for the overall view and they can create a building that can be pleasant which can be enjoyed by every person occupying it or the public, namely your visitors.

2. Architects want to please you and to do this they are concerned with what their client wants so they need to get your attention and squeeze from you exactly what you want. They use this knowledge to put up a plan that will meet a unique requirement of beauty and creativity.

3. Architects know how to understand every single project they have at hand. They are in every position to be involved with the work right from the start and will stick to it right to the very end. And during the process they may be able to share creative solutions for your home.

4. Architects are professionals who have the exact knowledge of affordable materials you could use for your home and they are the materials commonly seen in the market. They know how to build a plan according to the budget you have given no more, no less.

5. Architects know the codes and laws. It is what they are trained and taught to do. They have ethics to go on about your project and what permits you need to have the project be a step higher.

6. Architects know their way around. They know a lot of contractors at their disposal who are reliable and efficient. If you let your architect choose his or her own contractor then perhaps it will be a better coordinating team and having this will result in a very healthy working environment.

7. Architects know how to anticipate future requirements to design and be able to beautify your home and they are able to be flexible enough to meet you or your family’s needs.

8. Architects know how to create a pleasing and beautiful but functional environment that will suit just fine to the people who are going to stay in them. They have access to almost everything to make any location a better place to stay or live.

9. Architects are nature friendly. They will use everything in their knowledge and power to preserve the environment before and after the improvement has been made.

10. Architects know how to manage your project very well without you tailing them from everywhere. They can even provide you solutions of your home improvement problems which will make you save time and will ease any burdens or agitations in you mind.

After all is said and done, it will still be your choice that will matter. If you feel you can create a wonderful environment for your home, no one will stop you.



EFREN